Menu
26/05/2010
Cross-Border Bid For Electricity Market
A Republic of Ireland energy firm will begin selling power to households in Northern Ireland from June.
Airtricity will be the first company to compete with NIE Energy in the domestic electricity market.
The Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, pictured with Airtricty Managing Director, Kevin Greenhorn as the Energy Supplier announced its entry into the NI consumer electricity market, has said that she welcomed the move, announced on Tuesday.
The Minister said: "This is welcome news for domestic electricity customers, who for the first time will be able to choose their electricity supplier."
The electricity market in Northern Ireland has actually been fully opened to competition since 1 November 2007, and while there has been customer switching in the business sector, domestic customers have had no alternative to NIE Energy, as their electricity supplier.
Arlene Foster continued: "The announcement by Airtricity is proof that the Single Electricity Market has delivered transparency and increased electricity supply competition for domestic customers, in Northern Ireland.
"Customers will be able to compare electricity costs and levels of service being offered before choosing their electricity supplier," she said.
The Dublin-based company claimed that its entry into the NI market will create 75 jobs, a number that it said will rise as its business grows.
The firm also said it is expected that it will initially undercut prices by about 14% and that the discount is expected to stay in place for at least 12 months and will cut the average household bill from £500 to £430.
A spokesperson for the existing generator NIE said that it recognised a new entrant to the domestic market gave customers more choice.
"We have been preparing for a more competitive environment for some time. Last year we reduced our prices by 15% and we are due to make another pricing announcement within the next few months."
(BMcC/GK)
Airtricity will be the first company to compete with NIE Energy in the domestic electricity market.
The Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, pictured with Airtricty Managing Director, Kevin Greenhorn as the Energy Supplier announced its entry into the NI consumer electricity market, has said that she welcomed the move, announced on Tuesday.
The Minister said: "This is welcome news for domestic electricity customers, who for the first time will be able to choose their electricity supplier."
The electricity market in Northern Ireland has actually been fully opened to competition since 1 November 2007, and while there has been customer switching in the business sector, domestic customers have had no alternative to NIE Energy, as their electricity supplier.
Arlene Foster continued: "The announcement by Airtricity is proof that the Single Electricity Market has delivered transparency and increased electricity supply competition for domestic customers, in Northern Ireland.
"Customers will be able to compare electricity costs and levels of service being offered before choosing their electricity supplier," she said.
The Dublin-based company claimed that its entry into the NI market will create 75 jobs, a number that it said will rise as its business grows.
The firm also said it is expected that it will initially undercut prices by about 14% and that the discount is expected to stay in place for at least 12 months and will cut the average household bill from £500 to £430.
A spokesperson for the existing generator NIE said that it recognised a new entrant to the domestic market gave customers more choice.
"We have been preparing for a more competitive environment for some time. Last year we reduced our prices by 15% and we are due to make another pricing announcement within the next few months."
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 May 2009
British Gas Cuts Electricity Prices By 10%
British Gas, the biggest supplier of electricity to homes in Britain, has cut an average 10% off its standard electricity prices. The price cut for 4.5 million customers takes effect immediately. British Gas's electricity rates are now as much as £111 lower than the local supplier.
British Gas Cuts Electricity Prices By 10%
British Gas, the biggest supplier of electricity to homes in Britain, has cut an average 10% off its standard electricity prices. The price cut for 4.5 million customers takes effect immediately. British Gas's electricity rates are now as much as £111 lower than the local supplier.
12 June 2013
New Ofgem Requirements To Shake-Up UK Energy Market
Energy regulator Ofgem has announced new measures to shake-up the UK energy market. In an effort to “break the stranglehold of the big six energy suppliers", large suppliers and generators will be required to trade fairly with smaller players or face cash penalties. The six largest companies, Centrica (British Gas), E.
New Ofgem Requirements To Shake-Up UK Energy Market
Energy regulator Ofgem has announced new measures to shake-up the UK energy market. In an effort to “break the stranglehold of the big six energy suppliers", large suppliers and generators will be required to trade fairly with smaller players or face cash penalties. The six largest companies, Centrica (British Gas), E.
07 January 2008
Darling Seeks Talks Over Fuel Bills
Chancellor Alistair Darling has called for a meeting with energy regulator Ofgem to discuss last week's hike in gas and electricity bills by Npower. Darling is said to be unconvinced by Npower 's arguments that they are only passing on the increases in wholesale prices.
Darling Seeks Talks Over Fuel Bills
Chancellor Alistair Darling has called for a meeting with energy regulator Ofgem to discuss last week's hike in gas and electricity bills by Npower. Darling is said to be unconvinced by Npower 's arguments that they are only passing on the increases in wholesale prices.
19 October 2012
Ofgem Consults Plans To Improve Competitiveness Of Household Energy Market
Ofgem is consulting on plans for a package of simpler, clearer, fairer measures to improve radically the competitiveness of the household energy market. This follows a commitment to tackle problems of tariff complexity, poor supplier behaviour and lack of transparency identified in its review of the retail market.
Ofgem Consults Plans To Improve Competitiveness Of Household Energy Market
Ofgem is consulting on plans for a package of simpler, clearer, fairer measures to improve radically the competitiveness of the household energy market. This follows a commitment to tackle problems of tariff complexity, poor supplier behaviour and lack of transparency identified in its review of the retail market.
09 May 2003
Electricity pricing slammed in report
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said that customers who stick loyally by electricity suppliers could be paying much more than those who regularly shop around.
Electricity pricing slammed in report
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said that customers who stick loyally by electricity suppliers could be paying much more than those who regularly shop around.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
